Zambia – Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission Opens in Livingstone
The 3rd session of the Zambia–Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security has commenced in Livingstone, with both nations committing to combat transnational crimes, including human trafficking and smuggling.
Speaking at the official opening of the Officials Meeting, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr. Maambo Hamaundu, emphasized the need for joint strategies to tackle security threats affecting both countries.
“You will agree with me that smuggling has continued to rob us of much-needed revenue. In addition, both Zambia and Tanzania have continued to be used as transit routes for human traffickers, thereby compromising the security of our countries. It is, therefore, imperative that our defence and security institutions devise strategies to address these and other threats to peace and stability as we can only prosper economically if we are stable,” Mr. Hamaundu stated.
He also urged delegates to use the platform to strengthen historical bilateral ties between Zambia and Tanzania, in line with the vision of their founding fathers.
Dr. Faragi Mnyepe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and National Service of Tanzania, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for coordinated efforts in tackling transnational crimes.
“My brother Mr. Hamaundu, I am happy you mentioned human trafficking and smuggling. These are crimes we need to fight together as Tanzania and Zambia through a well-coordinated way,” said Dr. Mnyepe.
Dr. Mnyepe also acknowledged the foundational role played by Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Julius Nyerere in fostering bilateral cooperation, citing projects such as the Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) and the Tanzania Zambia Mafuta Pipelines Limited (TAZAMA) as key economic collaborations.
“For many generations to come, people in our countries will continue to benefit from TAZARA and TAZAMA because of what our founding fathers set up,” he noted.
The 3rd session of the JPC on Defence and Security will conclude with a Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday, where the Defence Ministers of Zambia and Tanzania will participate in high-level discussions on enhancing bilateral security cooperation.
